Data can help us make smarter decisions, but raw numbers without context can lead us astray.
Understanding the Base Rate Fallacy can help you avoid jumping to the wrong conclusions.
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Saw some head-scratching data?
Understanding the Base Rate Fallacy can help you avoid jumping to the wrong conclusions.
This is the cognitive bias known as Appeal to Nature.
But natural does not always mean better or safer. As the illustration suggests, harmful substances like cyanide can come from nature. Apple seeds contain a substance that releases cyanide into the blood stream. Note: don’t stress, apple seeds in small amounts do not contain enough cyanide to cause harm.
This bias can lead to some dangerous decisions in the context of COVID-19. For some this might include a preference for “natural immunity” over vaccines. It is true that both can produce a strong antibody response. But natural immunity means exposing yourself and those around you to an unpredictable virus. A virus that can cause severe illness, lifelong health repercussions, or death. Vaccines offer safe, predictable, and effective protection from COVID-19. Natural immunity does not.
Thanks to Jordan Collver for collaborating with us on this post. Jordan is an illustrator and science communicator specializing in using the visual and narrative power of comics to explore themes of science, nature, and belief.
We’re working on a series of misinformer tactics with Jordan so stay tuned for more.
Here is an example of a conversation that includes a red herring argument:
Science Up First: “the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective,”
Misinformer: “If you cared about safety you would recommend ivermectin”
Red herrings can distract from the point at hand (vaccine safety) to redirect the conversation (ivermectin).
Think you’re being misdirected? Ask yourself if the information provided is relevant.
Thanks to Jordan Collver for collaborating with us on this post. Jordan is an illustrator and science communicator specializing in using the visual and narrative power of comics to explore themes of science, nature, and belief.
We’re working on a series of misinformer tactics with Jordan so stay tuned for more.
“You’re either with us, or you’re against us.” “You either love freedom or you wear a mask.”
People who spread misinformation will often present only two choices. In reality, there are many shades of grey. Forcing people to pick from only two when there are many alternatives is the logical fallacy of false dichotomies.
False dichotomies are often used to shut down, polarize and oversimplify debates. The next time you are presented with only two choices, ask yourself if you are getting the full picture.
Thanks to Jordan Collver for collaborating with us on this post. Jordan is an illustrator and science communicator specializing in using the visual and narrative power of comics to explore themes of science, nature, and belief.
We’re working on a series of misinformer tactics with Jordan so stay tuned for more.
You take the blue pill—the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill—you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes…
Throughout the pandemic there has been a significant increase in misinformation and conspiracy theories surrounding public health and science that threaten the health and safety of Canadians. Misinformation has greatly contributed to vaccine hesitancy and distrust in public health measures, and has led to anti-mask, anti-lockdown rallies. More importantly, underserved and marginalized communities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 due to inequities in our healthcare system. Therefore, it is important that we dispel misinformation around vaccines and create trusting environments in a culturally sensitive manner.
Science Up First presented this panel on tools and strategies some experts use when tackling misinformation.
It has long been suggested that how correct information is presented can impact the effectiveness of a debunk. For example, many recommend the use of a “truth sandwich” (facts followed by the corrected misinformation followed by the facts). But an interesting new study (still a preprint) finds that format really doesn’t matter. Good content is the key! (November 23, 2021)
A recent survey found that 78% of Americans believe or are not sure about at least one piece of misinformation about COVID, such as the (very) incorrect ideas that the vaccines cause infertility or that the government is hiding deaths from the vaccines. It’s so important to continue to counter this kind of misinformation! (November 23, 2021)
But just because you have a different opinion than everyone else, doesn’t make you right.
We present the Galileo Gambit. Misinformers love to compare themselves to Galileo, who was famously persecuted because he said the earth orbits around the sun and not the other way around.
They would have you believe that, because their ideas go against the establishment, or risk their job, their credibility, or their safety, then they must be right.
The logic goes like this:
Galileo was persecuted and was correct.
I feel persecuted.
Conclusion: I am correct.
Let’s use the same logic on something else to help spot the flaw.
Steve is tall and wears blue socks.
I am tall.
Conclusion: I wear blue socks??
Clearly that’s not good reasoning. Tall people wear all sorts of different socks!
For every Galileo (who, by the way, had rigorous scientific EVIDENCE for his claims) there are a thousands of Steves* who got it wrong.
Remember this next time a supposed expert makes claims that go against the grain. Before you share, stop and think, “Is this accurate?”
*no disrespect to any Steves out there!
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We STAN science icon Galileo Galilei! But just because you have a different opinion than everyone else, doesn’t make you right.
Presenting: The Galileo Gambit. This tactic assumes that something is correct BECAUSE everyone says it’s wrong.
We live in a very chaotic information environment! While it is important to use credible sources to stay informed, it is also important to avoid information overload. A new study found that in “a pandemic such as Covid-19 news consumers need to be informed, but avoiding news is sometimes necessary to stay mentally healthy.” (October 21, 2021)
Researchers found that just two to four minutes of COVID related news scrolling “led to immediate and significant reductions in positive affect and optimism.” Remember to occasionally put down the phone! (October 21, 2021)
Let’s face it, misinformation is good at getting under your skin.
That’s why we’ve put together some of the most common tropes used against vaccination, and explanations on why they’re false.
Knowing these tropes before you see them helps stop misinformation in its tracks!
Share this post to stop misinformation. ✋
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Have you seen any of these tropes online? Misinformers often rely on the same narratives against vaccination. Check out this thread to see what they are, and why they’re wrong!#ScienceUpFirst
Studies have consistently found that social media is a major force driving the spread of misinformation. A new study adds to the growing body of literature finding that 85% of COVID misinformation was produced on social media, with Facebook being the biggest source (67%). The study also found that the United States, India and Brazil are the countries most impacted by misinformation. (September 28, 2021)
An oft-cited study from 2018 found that misinformation travels “farther, faster, deeper, and more broadly than the truth” – in part, because lies are often more interesting than facts. A more recent analysis came to a similar conclusion, finding that misinformation on Facebook got six times more “likes, shares, and interactions on the platform as did trustworthy news sources.” (September 28, 2021)
People who rely on intuition to make decisions are more likely to believe and spread misinformation. But those with “higher analytic thinking levels were less likely to rate COVID-19 misinformation as accurate and were less likely to be willing to share COVID-19 misinformation.” So, remember to pause and apply a bit of critical thinking! (September 28, 2021)
